Casa Rocca Piccola, Valletta

Historic Building in Valletta

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Continentaleurope

Tucked within Valletta's golden limestone streets, Casa Rocca Piccola offers one of the most authentic and personal cultural experiences in Malta. This 16th-century palazzo, still home to the noble de Piro family, opens its doors to visitors curious about the private lives behind the city's baroque façades. Unlike a traditional museum, Casa Rocca Piccola feels intimate and alive, with its mix of antique furniture, ancestral portraits, and the faint scent of old wood and candle wax that seems to whisper stories from the past.

A visit here feels like stepping back in time while being warmly welcomed into someone's home. Knowledgeable guides-and often family members themselves-lead tours that share not just historical facts but anecdotes of daily life, family traditions, and Valletta's social scene across centuries. This is one of the Things to do in Valletta that connects travelers to the city's living heritage. From its grand salons to the wartime tunnels below, the house mirrors Malta's resilience, elegance, and evolving identity.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is Casa Rocca Piccola Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Casa Rocca Piccola was built in the late 1500s, soon after Valletta's founding by the Knights of St. John. Designed for Don Pietro La Rocca, an Italian knight, it later became the residence of the de Piro family, one of Malta's most distinguished noble lineages. For over four centuries, the family has preserved and inhabited the house, maintaining its historic furnishings and charm. The palazzo's name-“small house on the rock”-reflects both its sturdy structure and its role as a private stronghold of Maltese aristocracy.

Things to See and Do

Inside, visitors can explore a collection of rooms brimming with heritage: a family dining hall with portraits of ancestors, an opulent drawing room lined with frescoes, and a library that feels frozen in time. The palace's most fascinating feature lies underground-a network of air raid shelters carved during World War II. Descending into these tunnels reveals how even the grandest homes were not immune to the island's wartime struggles. It's this juxtaposition of refinement and endurance that makes Casa Rocca Piccola one of the Top sights in Valletta and a highlight of any walking tour of Valletta.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon to enjoy guided tours in smaller groups
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €9 (includes guided tour)
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm
Official website: casaroccapiccola.com
How long to spend: 1-1.5 hours
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access due to historic layout
Photography tip: Capture the ornate courtyard and the sunlight streaming through its arcades
Guided tours: Conducted hourly and often by family members
Nearby food options: Several cafés and restaurants nearby along Republic Street

How to Get There

Casa Rocca Piccola is located on Republic Street, Valletta's main thoroughfare, just a short walk from the City Gate and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Public buses from across Malta terminate nearby, and the Valletta ferry terminal is within a 10-minute walk.

Is Casa Rocca Piccola Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Casa Rocca Piccola is one of the Must-see places in Valletta for anyone interested in the island's noble past and living traditions. It offers a personal, human glimpse into Maltese history-where art, family, and resilience intertwine.

Nearby Attractions

St. John's Co-Cathedral - Home to Caravaggio's masterpieces and stunning baroque interiors.
Upper Barrakka Gardens - A peaceful terrace overlooking the Grand Harbour.
Grandmaster's Palace - Once the official seat of the Knights of St. John.
Lascaris War Rooms - A subterranean command center from World War II.
National Museum of Archaeology - Tracing Malta's prehistory through fascinating artifacts.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,129)

Casa Rocca Piccola, at 74 Republic St, Valletta, is a 16th-century noble family residence offering guided tours through more than 50 lavish, lived-in rooms filled with antique furniture, paintings, personal curiosities and a tasteful art collection; visitors praise intimate small-group tours, knowledgeable and warm guides (and occasionally meeting the Marquis), a surprising private wartime shelter, and a cosy courtyard where you can linger after exploring.

Neb Carnelian

2 weeks ago

"A truly unique experience. I feel honored to be able to mosey around such an incredible piece of history. Every object has a story to tell. I foundtheir art collection to be particularly evocative, with many wonderful paintings from different eras up to the present day. I even bumped into the Marquis who was incredibly generous with his knowledge and time. A once in a lifetime experience. Thank you 🙏..."

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Yana K

3 months ago

"Definitely a must see when in Valletta! We went for a guided tour around noon and there were only four people including us. We loved being in smallgroup like that as the guide offered us enough time to also explore on our own and ask as many questions as we wanted. The tour feels like you’re visiting your rich auntie which I find daring. The house is not only a museum, there’s still a lot of life in it. I love visiting houses like that and this is one of the most lively ones I’ve seen thanks to more recent objects on display. A very refreshing experience. The place is still in use after hours by the family and it feels homely and cozy. It’s a bit chaotic and that’s why it feels personal. After the tour we were offered to continue exploring the rooms and the shelter in our own pace so we used the opportunity to spend some more time there...."

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Levan Giorgadze

3 months ago

"Casa Rocca Piccola is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Valletta. This 16th-century noble residence offers a rare opportunity to stepinto Malta’s aristocratic past. Unlike many other historical sites, Casa Rocca Piccola is still a family home, which makes the experience even more authentic and personal. The guided tours are excellent and very informative, giving visitors a chance to see beautifully decorated rooms, antique furniture, artworks, and family heirlooms that have been preserved for centuries. One of the highlights is the underground wartime shelters, which provide a powerful glimpse into Malta’s role during World War II. The collection of costumes, silverware, and traditional Maltese crafts is also remarkable. What makes Casa Rocca Piccola special is the warm and personal touch of the guides, who share not only history but also stories about the current family who still live there. The courtyard and garden are peaceful spots to relax after the tour. If you are in Valletta, this museum-home is a must-see. It combines history, culture, and charm in a way that truly captures the spirit of Malta. I highly recommend including it in your itinerary...."

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The Casa Rocca Piccola appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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